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A New Political Move

One of Northeast Ohio's most famous political figures is about to move. But, it isn't because of the presidential race or a brewing scandal. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more on the relocation of a sculpture called "The Politician - A Toy".

Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 11:22 am

For over a decade, a towering sentry has stood on the corner of East 66th and Chester in Midtown Cleveland. Created by local artist Billie Lawless, "The Politician" is meant to be a satiric jab at certain public officials. It sports a couple of slowly spinning wheels that never go anywhere… and a mouth in constant motion that never says anything. A deal was recently inked with Cleveland State University to move this mechanical marvel to the CSU campus. Negotiator Doug Whipple says negotiations for the move took a couple years.

DOUG WHIPPLE: At it's present location, it's very difficult to appreciate it. Basically, high speed rush hour traffic cxan only look at it from a distance. Once it's on the Cleveland State campus, students and campus visitors will be able to walk right up and get a nice close look at it, and spend some time enjoying it.

Whipple says the sculpture should be relocated to it's new birth at East 18th and Chester by the end of October. Just in time for the presidential election.

ideastream® is a not-for-profit multiple-media public service organization serving the communities of Northeast Ohio and based in Cleveland, Ohio. The mission of ideastream is to strengthen our communities.